Deeply troubling, measles outbreaks are raging near all corners of the United States. Public health officials are advising all Americans to be vaccinated and vigilant with symptoms of this dangerous disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have documented an alarming increase in measles cases thus far in 2019. Unfortunately, there have been three deaths associated with the virus. This alarming reality became more urgent after the sad death of an unvaccinated child last week in Texas. This is a first measles-related death in the U.S. since 2015. A possible second death in New Mexico is pending confirmation, sending even more alarm bells ringing among health experts.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known, and it can take anywhere from seven to 14 days after exposure for someone to develop symptoms. Immunization is the best way to protect yourself and your community against measles, especially with two doses of the measles vaccine. Recent data show that about 1% of those who are impacted have only received one dose of the vaccine. At the same time, just about 2% were fully vaccinated with two doses but still getting the disease.
Understanding the Vaccine and Its Efficacy
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine protects against measles and is the key to preventing future outbreaks. MMR vaccine effectiveness Increasing measles immunity Even one dose of the MMR vaccine provides 93% protection against measles. Once you receive that second dose, that effectiveness soars to 97%! Despite this high level of protection, the CDC has reported that some individuals who were fully vaccinated still contracted measles during recent outbreaks.
Dr. Ashley Stephens, a public health expert, explains the severity of measles:
“Measles is a very dangerous virus, and many people that get infected — particularly children under age 5 — are at high risk of getting really sick from it.”
The CDC has already verified 567 cases of measles so far this year. Such cases, essentially human-to-human transmission, represent 93% of all reported cases and are associated with six large outbreaks. Recognizing the herd This deeply disturbing trend brings an even more imperative importance to community-wide immunization campaigns to reach herd immunity within a given population.
The Spread and Symptoms of Measles
Measles spreads easily through the respiratory droplets exhaled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Once emitted into the air, these microparticles can stay suspended for more than two hours. As a result of this high level of contagion, measles is one of the most infectious viruses in the world.
So far, all of the affected individuals have likely developed symptoms between seven and 14 days after they were exposed. First signs are usually a high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Soon after these warning signs, a distinctive red rash usually emerges, starting on the face and moving downward.
This extremely contagious rate means we need quick responses from public health and a greater understanding about the need to vaccinate.
“Measles is probably one of the most contagious viruses that’s ever existed.”
Although there is overwhelming scientific evidence that vaccines are safe and effective at preventing measles, falsehoods about those vaccines persist and erode public trust in vaccination efforts. One of the most damaging myths of all is the pure fiction that the MMR vaccine causes autism. This discredited idea first gained traction with a study published in the late 1990s in the prestigious journal The Lancet. Researchers have repeatedly, rigorously, and convincingly debunked its claims since then.
The Impact of Misinformation on Vaccination Rates
Yet anti-vaccine campaigners continue to use this falsehood to dissuade people from immunizing, a tactic that affects vaccine uptake and fuels current-day outbreaks. Encouragingly, due to inequities in distribution of vaccine doses, communities have seen rapid surges in numbers of unvaccinated people, increasing risk of transmission of disease.
According to the CDC, 1 to 3 children per 1,000 who get measles will die from complications. These complications range from life-threatening respiratory failure to debilitating neurological disorders, among others. This alarming statistic highlights the absolute importance of educating the public about the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
The CDC reports that approximately 1 to 3 children per 1,000 who contract measles die from complications such as respiratory issues or neurological conditions. This sobering statistic underscores the critical need for public education regarding vaccine safety and efficacy.
